(Silent Recordings)

One of 2001’s most heralded releases ‘Small Craft Rough Sea’ makes it into the basements and studios of some of the world’s luminary artists, to do with it what they will and add their own little touch of magic to their favourite tracks.

The record soothes in nicely with a mellow, seaside touched mix of ‘Sirius’ by Someone (Sam Dixon), before moving in to the mysteriously dark beginnings of Stereolab’s Mount Zero remix (one which you may have already heard getting a healthy spin on FBI) in which they add their catchy electro pop touch, it’s the perfect track to tarnish a sunny sunday afternoon, as Mary Hansen’s la las sit softly on the summer breeze. I hope that this isn’t the only track to receive airplay just because it’s a Stereolab mix, as it certainly isn’t the only remix on the record worthy of some radio play.

Local electronic artist Mako has a nice take on ‘Landing,’ adding some beats and sunlight to make sweet light-hearted electronic pop song for the lethargic, but still managing to keep the heart of the original version (think of a mix between The Avalanches’ ‘Thank You Caroline’ and ‘Undersea Community’ minus the vocals). Label mates Telemetry Orchestra’s additions to ‘Portal’ add a very gentle Telemetry pop vibe to the track with Charlotte’s soft vocals giving the song a new life, whilst Pivot have a go at a very bass heavy Decoder Ring sounding ‘Care For Them.’

The hidden gem on this record is Presets’ mix of ‘Magnetic Highway’, which takes the track straight to the dancefloor, for most this will be your first taste of what Presets have to offer and I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed!
Other notable mentions would be Paul Mac and Dirty Cub’s mix of ‘Portal’, a six and a half minute dancefloor aimed number, adding beats and sonic style whilst still managing to keep the feel of the original version.

Oren Ambarchi’s fantastic mix of ‘Low’, adds a new dimension which manages to take you on a glitchy, blippy, sonic space expedition, or even an underwater journey (depending what drug you’re on at the time).

Another track which should receive a decent run of radio airtime is Pnau’s crazy, sample-a-delic, busy remix of ‘Magnetic Highway’, a real six minute journey to the depths of you soul.

Decoder Ring’s remix for ‘Pilot Error’ explores the inner core of the original as Band of Five Names do a hauntingly beautiful mix of ‘Solo Trip,’ before NY’s Mice Parade finish the record by taking us back to electro pop heaven for their remix of the stunning ‘Remora.’

If I only get to recommend three releases this year, this is certainly one that your collection is in dire need of, from start to finish this album is sheer beauty.